Youssoupha Niang is determined to prove his goalscoring credentials at FC St. Pauli. The 20-year-old striker is on loan from 1. FC Köln until the end of the season, with no option to make the move permanent. The loan deal was finalised on the last day of the transfer window.

Niang recently made his first start in the 1-0 home win against VfL Wolfsburg on September 12. He was substituted after 70 minutes, but Joel Chima Fujita's 88th-minute winner secured three vital points. That result helped solidify the team's position. FC St. Pauli currently sit ninth in the 2. Bundesliga with six points from five matches. Coach Fabian Hürzeler was satisfied with his team's performance but stressed that they are not yet where they want to be.

A Special Trait

The attacker possesses a particular mental strength. "When I'm on the pitch, I can block out everything else quite well," Niang said. Off the field, he experiences more pressure and distracting thoughts. He describes his playing style as very direct, combined with power and a notable top speed of 34.6 km/h. He waits for his moment, even if things don't work immediately. "I want to prove that I can score goals at this level," is his clear objective. The St. Pauli management praised his attitude and potential, which he is now expected to deliver on in the second division.

Return to Roots

For Niang, the move to Hamburg is also a homecoming. He played for St. Pauli's youth teams from the age of 13. In 2025, he won the German U19 championship with the club's A-youth side, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances. At 1. FC Köln last season, he managed only ten brief outings, with just two starts. Under former coach Lukas Kwasniok, who was dismissed in March, he gained his first Bundesliga experience and built confidence. However, he failed to establish himself in Cologne and did not score a goal.

Now the striker lives in his own apartment in Hamburg for the first time, having previously lived with his parents in Bonn. The club is counting on his development for their sporting aims. The next chance to impress comes in the away fixture against seventh-placed Energie Cottbus on September 20.

Niang's contract in Cologne still has considerable length, but his full focus is now on St. Pauli. He has taken the first steps in his development with the club, with the next ones expected in league action. He is convinced that the environment and philosophy of the club will help him find his form.

First reported at Bild Sport